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Rachel V Thomas

9/11-Linked Cancer Cases Surge 75%: Why Researchers Are Concerned

<span>Cancer cases</span> linked to the September 11, 2001, <span>World Trade Center terror attacks</span> have surged 75%, according to new research, highlighting the ongoing health crisis even 25 years later.

The research was conducted by Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, which provides free medical monitoring to people affected by the aftermath of the attacks at New York’s World Trade Center, where nearly 3,000 people were killed.

About two-thirds of all enrollees are certified for at least one WTC-related health condition, while 30% of those enrolled through Northwell have battled cancer. That number is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade.

“For over 25 years, we have cared for people who were exposed to the aftermath of September 11th,” said Jacqueline Moline, director of the Northwell WTC Health Program.

“Over 57,000 cases of cancer have been documented, and cancer rates — including rare cancers — are rising. There has been a two-fold increase in lung cancer in just five years. Our fear is that cancer diagnoses will only rise as we move into the next 25 years.”

Northwell’s WTC Health Program saw 9/11-certified cancer cases increase from 177 in 2023 to 235 in 2025 — a 75% jump over three years.

Another 132 new cases were reported through the first half of 2026, continuing the trend. That brings the total to 811 new cases over 42 months.

Prostate and skin cancers were the most common, followed by breast and urinary tract cancers.

By comparison, the program recorded 1,634 cancer cases during the first decade from 2013 to 2022, and 2,445 all-time cases through June among 1,489 people.

Crisis Grows From Lung Diseases To Cancer 

Researchers at the center noted that September 11 was not a one-day event. The toxic dust cloud at Ground Zero and the gruelling recovery work created a persistent environmental catastrophe that continues to affect lives.

A variety of lung diseases were seen earlier among those affected. Now, after a decades-long incubation, a range of cancers is emerging as a growing concern. 

"Hundreds of thousands of people were at risk then and remain at risk for disease now. While we initially saw respiratory disease, we now are faced with increasing numbers of our patients developing cancer," Moline said. 

Further, a trove of newly released files by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicates that toxic air persisted for months after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and that officials played down the health risks.

“People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air,” Mamdani said at a news conference with survivors.

“As the years pass and the human toll grows, we reckon with the cost of September 11th whenever another New Yorker is stolen from us too soon. Now, close to 25 years later, more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed on the day itself.

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Cancer cases linked to the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center terror attacks have surged 75%, according to new research, highlighting the ongoing health crisis even 25 years later.The research was conducted by Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, which provides free medical monitoring to people affected by the aftermath of the attacks at New York’s World Trade Center, where nearly 3,000 people were killed.About two-thirds of all enrollees are certified for at least one WTC-related health condition, while 30% of those enrolled through Northwell have battled cancer. That number is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade.“For over 25 years, we have cared for people who were exposed to the aftermath of September 11th,” said Jacqueline Moline, director of the Northwell WTC Health Program.“Over 57,000 cases of cancer have been documented, and cancer rates — including rare cancers — are rising. There has been a two-fold increase in lung cancer in just five years. Our fear is that cancer diagnoses will only rise as we move into the next 25 years.”Which Cancers Are Growing?Northwell’s WTC Health Program saw 9/11-certified cancer cases increase from 177 in 2023 to 235 in 2025 — a 75% jump over three years.Another 132 new cases were reported through the first half of 2026, continuing the trend. That brings the total to 811 new cases over 42 months.Prostate and skin cancers were the most common, followed by breast and urinary tract cancers.By comparison, the program recorded 1,634 cancer cases during the first decade from 2013 to 2022, and 2,445 all-time cases through June among 1,489 people.Crisis Grows From Lung Diseases To Cancer Researchers at the center noted that September 11 was not a one-day event. The toxic dust cloud at Ground Zero and the gruelling recovery work created a persistent environmental catastrophe that continues to affect lives.A variety of lung diseases were seen earlier among those affected. Now, after a decades-long incubation, a range of cancers is emerging as a growing concern. "Hundreds of thousands of people were at risk then and remain at risk for disease now. While we initially saw respiratory disease, we now are faced with increasing numbers of our patients developing cancer," Moline said. Further, a trove of newly released files by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicates that toxic air persisted for months after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and that officials played down the health risks.“People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air,” Mamdani said at a news conference with survivors.“As the years pass and the human toll grows, we reckon with the cost of September 11th whenever another New Yorker is stolen from us too soon. Now, close to 25 years later, more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed on the day itself.

9 11-linked cancer cases surge 75%: why researchers are concerned

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